Walter Cronkite photograph by Yousuf Karsh
Sign-off lines from iconic and current broadcasters:
Gold Standard:
• Walter Cronkite (CBS News) Sign-off: “And that’s the way it is.” Context: Always followed by the date, e.g., “Friday, March 6, 1981.” His sign-off remains the gold standard.
Also rans:
• Tom Brokaw (NBC Nightly News)
Sign-off: “I’m Tom Brokaw, NBC News.”
Context: A direct and dignified close that emphasized journalistic presence.
• Anderson Cooper (CNN)
Sign-off: “Thanks for watching. I'm Anderson Cooper. Good night.”
Context: Cooper maintains a clean, direct sign-off. Occasionally includes heartfelt notes depending on news content.
• Katie Couric (CBS Evening News)
Sign-off: “And that’s the way it is.”
Context: A respectful nod to Walter Cronkite, used on occasion to anchor legacy. •
Linda Ellerbee (NBC News Overnight / Nick News)
Sign-off: “And so it goes.”
Context: Wry and reflective, this became her trademark closing, echoing Vonnegut’s sentiment.
• Lester Holt (NBC Nightly News)
Sign-off: “Please take care of yourself—and each other. Good night.”
Context: Became his signature line during the pandemic and has remained a nightly staple.
• Chet Huntley (NBC, Huntley–Brinkley Report)
Sign-off: “Good night, David.”
Context: Part of a nightly exchange with David Brinkley that became iconic during their co-anchorship.
• Peter Jennings (ABC World News Tonight)
Sign-off: “Good night.”
Context: Unscripted, calm, and consistent with his understated authority.
• Ted Koppel (ABC Nightline)
Sign-off: “For all of us here at Nightline, I’m Ted Koppel. Good night.”
Context: Professional, inclusive, and immediately recognizable.
• Hoda Kotb (NBC Today Show)
Sign-off: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Context: Delivered tearfully during her final week as co-anchor in 2025; daily sign-offs were usually brief and warm.
• Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) Sign-off: “That’s our show for tonight. We’ll see you again soon.”
Context: A casual, personable line fitting her conversational broadcast tone.
• Andrea Mitchell (MSNBC)
Sign-off: “Thank you for watching. I’ll see you next time.”
Context: Used in her March 2025 departure and often at the close of daily programs.
• David Muir (ABC World News Tonight) Sign-off: “I’m David Muir. I hope to see you right back here tomorrow.”
Context: While not fixed, this friendly phrase has become Muir’s habitual close. •
Edward R. Murrow (CBS) Sign-off: “Good night, and good luck.”
Context: Immortalized by Murrow during his historic broadcasts confronting McCarthyism.
• Norah O’Donnell (CBS Evening News)
Sign-off: “That’s tonight’s CBS Evening News. I owe it all to everyone I work with. Good night.”
Context: Used in her final 2025 broadcast; typically signed off with a short note of thanks.
• Dan Rather (CBS)
Sign-off: “Courage.”
Context: Used most often during national crises and moments requiring solemnity.
• Barbara Walters (ABC’s 20/20)
Sign-off: “We’re in touch, so you be in touch.”
Context: Often closed 20/20 with this memorable phrase, encouraging viewer connection. Alternate: “We thank you for watching. This is 20/20.” (used with co-anchors)
Brian Williams (NBC Nightly News)
Sign-off: “Thank you for being with us. Good night.”
Context: A respectful and understated closing that reflected Williams’ signature tone.
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